Andy Murray has publicly defended his mother, Judy, as he addressed the controversy surrounding Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal from the mixed doubles at Wimbledon for the first time.
The situation escalated when Raducanu accepted Murray's invitation to team up but later pulled out citing a minor injury, abruptly concluding Murray’s final Wimbledon campaign.
This incident quickly became one of the most talked-about stories of the tournament.
Judy faced backlash for her social media comments, calling Raducanu’s decision “astonishing,” a remark she later clarified was meant to be sarcastic.
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“At that moment, everyone’s really emotional because it’s the end of me playing at Wimbledon,” said Murray ahead of the Paris Olympics, which will prove his last ever competitive event in professional tennis.
“I’m aware there’s a much bigger picture out there but she’s my mum so she obviously cares a lot about me, and it’s been a huge part of my career as well.
“What had happened in the 10 days in the build-up as well, I’d just had a surgery where I didn’t know if I was going to get the opportunity to play.
“Everyone’s emotions are obviously running high but my mum’s obviously always going to support me and look out for my best interests. She’s been the best supporter.”
At the time, Murray, who's a three-time Grand Slam winner, was reportedly heartbroken over Raducanu’s decision, which she cited was due to a wrist injury.
He revealed that they have not communicated since she informed him of her shock withdrawal.
Murray was set to compete in the mixed doubles following his men’s doubles match with his brother Jamie, which included an emotional farewell ceremony on Centre Court.
While he didn’t express any personal grievances towards Raducanu, he acknowledged that elite players probably do prioritise their own interests.
However, he has come to appreciate how things unfolded.
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“What Wimbledon did was unbelievably nice, and getting to finish playing at Wimbledon on Centre Court with my brother was unbelievably special and something we’d never experienced during our careers,” the 37-year-old said.
“That obviously wasn’t how I’d planned it or thought exactly what was going to happen but that’s how it ended up. I’m not frustrated or bitter about it.
“Mentally I was preparing to play more matches but, when I reflect on that, it was right that I finished playing at Wimbledon with my brother and I’m really happy that was the end.”
